The Oparin-Haldane theory (theory of chemical evolution) proposes that life originated from non-living organic molecules that were formed spontaneously in the primitive earth's conditions; the first form of life arose from these molecules in the ancient ocean (the primordial soup). To test this, Miller and Urey performed an experiment in which they created conditions similar to the primitive atmosphere (a mixture of methane, ammonia, hydrogen and water vapour) in a closed flask and passed electric sparks through it. After a week, they found that simple organic molecules, including amino acids, had formed, supporting the theory of chemical evolution.

Typhoid is caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, which infects the intestine and is spread through contaminated food and water. Malaria is caused by the protozoan parasite Plasmodium (such as Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum), which is transmitted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Pneumonia is caused mainly by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (and also Haemophilus influenzae), which affect the lungs (alveoli).

Antibodies (immunoglobulins) are Y-shaped protein molecules produced by the B-lymphocytes (plasma cells) in response to an antigen; they bind specifically to the antigen and help destroy it. Each antibody molecule is made of four polypeptide chains: two identical longer heavy (H) chains and two identical shorter light (L) chains, so it is represented as H2L2. Each antibody has a variable region (which binds the specific antigen) and a constant region. The main classes are IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE and IgD.

antibody structure = H2L2

AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a retrovirus that attacks and destroys the helper T-lymphocytes, weakening the body's immune system. It is transmitted by: (1) unprotected sexual contact with an infected person; (2) transfusion of infected blood or sharing infected needles/syringes; and (3) from an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding. It can be prevented by using disposable needles, screening blood before transfusion, using condoms and creating awareness.

Cancer is a disease in which there is an uncontrolled division of cells that lose the property of contact inhibition, forming a mass of cells called a tumour; malignant tumours can spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Agents that cause cancer are called carcinogens; examples are: (1) physical agents such as ionising radiations (X-rays, gamma rays) and ultraviolet rays; (2) chemical agents such as those in tobacco smoke; and (3) certain viruses (oncogenic viruses). Cancer arises when proto-oncogenes are activated into oncogenes.

Vaccination (immunisation) is the process of introducing a vaccine - a preparation of weakened, killed or a part of a pathogen (antigenic proteins) - into the body to develop immunity against a specific disease. It works on the principle of the memory of the immune system: the vaccine acts as an antigen and stimulates the body to produce antibodies and memory cells against that pathogen. Then, if the actual pathogen ever enters the body, the memory cells recognise it and quickly produce a large amount of antibodies to destroy it, preventing the disease.

An allergy is an exaggerated (hypersensitive) response of the immune system to certain substances called allergens (such as pollen, dust or certain foods) that are otherwise harmless; it releases chemicals like histamine, causing symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes and rashes (for example, asthma or hay fever). An autoimmune disease is a condition in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells and tissues (the body fails to distinguish self from non-self); an example is rheumatoid arthritis.

Drug and alcohol abuse is the use of drugs or alcohol for a purpose other than medicine, in amounts or ways that harm the body and mind, often leading to addiction and dependence. Harmful effects include: (1) physical and mental harm - damage to the nervous system, liver (cirrhosis) and other organs, and impaired judgement and coordination; and (2) social and psychological problems - poor academic or work performance, aggression, depression, and strained relationships with family and society; severe cases can be fatal.

Curd is produced from milk by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), mainly Lactobacillus, which convert the sugar lactose into lactic acid and also improve its nutritional quality (vitamin B12). Bread is made using the fungus baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), whose fermentation produces carbon dioxide that makes the dough rise (puffed up). Cheese is produced by the action of specific bacteria and fungi; for example, the characteristic flavour and large holes of Swiss cheese are due to a bacterium (Propionibacterium), and Roquefort cheese is ripened using a fungus (Penicillium roqueforti).

(1) Ethanol (alcohol): the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferments sugars to produce ethanol, used in alcoholic beverages and as a fuel. (2) Antibiotics: the fungus Penicillium notatum (or chrysogenum) produces the antibiotic penicillin, and Streptomyces bacteria produce antibiotics such as streptomycin. (3) Organic acids and enzymes: for example, Aspergillus niger produces citric acid, and Acetobacter aceti produces acetic acid (vinegar). These are made in large fermenters (bioreactors).

Antibiotics are chemical substances produced by certain microorganisms (such as bacteria and fungi) that can kill or inhibit the growth of other disease-causing microorganisms; they are used to treat bacterial infections. Penicillin, the first antibiotic, was discovered by Alexander Fleming (in 1928) from the fungus (mould) Penicillium notatum, which he noticed inhibiting the growth of bacteria. It was later developed as a drug by Ernst Chain and Howard Florey.

Biogas is a mixture of gases (mainly methane, along with carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide) produced by the anaerobic breakdown of organic waste such as cattle dung (gobar) and plant material; it is used as a fuel for cooking and lighting. It is produced by a group of anaerobic bacteria called methanogens (for example, Methanobacterium), which are also present in the rumen of cattle and in anaerobic sludge. The biogas plant used to make it is commonly called a gobar gas plant.

Biofertilizers are living organisms (microbes) that enrich the nutrient quality of the soil, mainly by fixing atmospheric nitrogen or making phosphorus available; examples include the bacterium Rhizobium (in root nodules of legumes), cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and mycorrhiza (a fungus-root association). Biocontrol agents are organisms used to control plant diseases and pests biologically, instead of chemical pesticides; examples include the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (used against insect larvae), the ladybird beetle (which eats aphids) and the fungus Trichoderma.

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms, cells or their components (such as enzymes) to make products or processes useful to human beings (for example, medicines, vaccines and improved crops). Recombinant DNA (rDNA) technology, also called genetic engineering, is the technique of combining (joining) DNA from two different sources to form a new recombinant DNA molecule, which is then introduced into a host organism where it expresses the desired character. It is the core technique of modern biotechnology.

The three main tools of recombinant DNA technology are: (1) restriction enzymes (molecular scissors), which cut the DNA at specific recognition sites, and DNA ligase, which joins DNA fragments; (2) cloning vectors (such as plasmids and bacteriophages), which are vehicles used to carry the desired (foreign) DNA into the host cell and help it multiply; and (3) a competent host organism (such as the bacterium E. coli), into which the recombinant DNA is introduced so that it can replicate and express the gene.

Restriction enzymes (restriction endonucleases) are enzymes obtained from bacteria that cut DNA at specific recognition sequences, which are usually palindromic (read the same on both strands). Each restriction enzyme recognises a particular base sequence and cuts the DNA within or near it (for example, EcoRI). They are called molecular scissors because they cut the DNA strands at precise positions, often producing sticky ends that help in joining DNA fragments from different sources during genetic engineering.

A cloning vector is a DNA molecule (commonly a plasmid or a bacteriophage) that is used as a carrier to transfer a desired (foreign) DNA fragment into a host cell and to replicate it there. The essential features of a good cloning vector are: (1) an origin of replication (ori), which enables the vector to replicate inside the host; (2) a selectable marker (such as a gene for antibiotic resistance), which helps to identify and select the host cells that have taken up the vector; and (3) unique restriction (recognition) sites where the foreign DNA can be inserted.

PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a technique used to make multiple copies (amplify) of a specific segment of DNA in a test tube (in vitro). It uses primers and a heat-stable DNA polymerase (Taq polymerase from Thermus aquaticus). Its three steps, repeated in cycles, are: (1) denaturation - the DNA is heated to separate the two strands; (2) annealing - the primers bind to the complementary sequences on the single strands at a lower temperature; and (3) extension - Taq polymerase extends the primers to synthesise new strands. Repeating the cycles increases the DNA exponentially.

A bioreactor is a large vessel (often thousands of litres) in which the raw materials are biologically converted into specific products by microbes, plant or animal cells or enzymes, under optimum controlled conditions of temperature, pH, oxygen and so on. The most commonly used type is the stirred-tank bioreactor. Downstream processing refers to all the processes carried out after the product has been formed in the bioreactor, such as separation and purification of the product, and its formulation with preservatives and quality control, before it is marketed as a finished product.

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants, animals or microbes whose genes have been altered (modified) by genetic engineering to introduce a desired character. Advantages of GM (genetically modified) crops: (1) they can be made more tolerant to abiotic stresses such as cold, drought, salt and heat; (2) they can be made resistant to pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides (for example Bt cotton); (3) they can have improved nutritional value (biofortification, e.g. golden rice rich in vitamin A) and a longer shelf life; and (4) they can increase crop yield.